Quatre sat across the desk from a slightly smaller boy. He was around 13 or 14 years old, and had sandy blonde--almost brown hair. Quatre smiled at him. "May I help you?" Quatre was confused why this boy wished to speak with him personally. "Yes," the boy riased his chin and looked Quatre straight in the eye, "I know you." "I---don't understand, I'm afraid," the older boy raised an eyebrow, "I don't believe we've met before." "We've never met, but, we do--or at least, should--know each other," the boy smiled, "I'm Cliff--Cliff Winer, that is. I'm your brother." "My..brother?" Quatre was caught off-gurad as he stared into the boy's blue eyes, "How can that be?" "I don't know," the boy glanced away, "I just know that we shared the same father...until..." his voice trailed off. Quatre's eyes wavered as pain and guilt shot through him with memories of his father and his untimely death. He tried to hide his pain as he looked up at Cliff. "Why didn't I know of you until now?" "I didn't know myself until my mother told me of you and your cause. I want to join you in fighting for the colonies," Cliff sat straighter in his seat. "I don't know if there will be any fighting from now on because we are so close to peace between Earth and Space," Quatre was still slightly confused at this boy's presence, "But why not contact me before you came to Earth?" "I live on Earth. My..mother was killed by the OZ scum when the raided my city. She told me soon before her death that I had other family besides her. I...just wanted to find them," his eyes filled with tears before he went on, "I'm sorry about the inconvience, but I didn't know what to do..I had such a hard time finding you. If you don't let me join you, I'll go and fight OZ on my own." Quatre was filled with compassion as he stood and walked around the desk. Cliff rose and Quatre put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure we can find room for you to stay here; I'll contact Miss Relena and Miss Noin to discuss whether or not you can join us. But until then, get some rest, ok?" Quatre smiled at the slightly shorter boy. "Thanks, I'd like that," Cliff returned Quatre's smile..a smile that looked strangely like his own.

*****

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen. If you will all take your seats, the meeting will now begin," the announcer's voice quieted the room of world leaders, "Miss Relena Peacecraft, representative of the Sanq Kingdom, you may make your opening speech." Applause echoed the large and strangely cold room. About fifty representatives from almost every part of the world and space attended this meeting today. Relena glanced around and smiled , a bit nervous, but determined neertheless. "ladies and gentlemen. I would like to present to you a path of peace that I strongly believe can save many lives and prevent many pointless battles and pain." Relena Peacecraft drew in a deep breath. "All of you have consented to meet today to discuss the possibilities of peace. Therefore I assume that our goal to be reached in this conference is, in fact, peace." Heads nodded in agreement. Relena continued. "My proposal to reach this goal is the elimination of al military forces from around the world and in space," a murmer of shock echoed around, "I know that this idea may seem absurd, but I believe that the only way to achieve total pacifism is to remove the threats of war and violence from the horizons of our universe." "--Miss Relena," heads turned as Dorothy Catolonia, representative of the Dermaile Association, rose, interrupting Relena, "I don't believe that total pacifism is necessary or possible. Our shared goal is to reach peace. Peace is nothing more than the absence of war. We do not wish to follow your somewhat naive ideals of total pacifism, if you will excuse me. I believe that removing all military forces from the world and in space will do nothing less than destroy all of the authority and organization that keeps the citizens of the Universe from complete chaos." "Miss Dorothy," Relena prompted, "when we speak of peace, we do not merely imply that peace is the 'absence of war', but the presence of peace." "And what exactly is the presence of peace?" Representative Brumby of Australia questioned Relena. "The presence of peace, is the essence of humanity. It is what keeps humans from destroying life on this planet. Our sense of humanity must always be present if we are to keep the peace; it must always be present if we dispose of peace. THIS, rather than military forces that provide threats and fear, is what keeps mankind from total chaos." Representative Brumby nodded and smiled, "Do you believe that every person of our race contains his essence of humanity, Miss Relena?" "To a certain extent, yes...every single human in this universe contains humanity. Many of us have lost our sense of humanity due to harsh circumstances. This is what causes people to want war and gain power," Relena glanced at Dorothy, unsure of what she would reply. But to Relena's surprise, no retort came back. "Thank you, Miss Relena," Brumby rested his case, completely satisfied with Relena's answer. "Ladies and gentlemen, if we take the first step to peace, then the people of space and Earth will finally be able to follow our examples. Please join me in my search for total pacifism." Applause exploded in the room as Relena sat down. "Thank you, Miss Relena," the announcer stood once again, "are there any arguments on Miss Relena Peacecraft's proposal to discard of all military forces?" "Yes," it was Dorothy again, "I believe that although our sense of humanity does in fact, keep us from destroying each other, those who have lost their sense of humanity, as you acknowledged, Miss Relena, are dedicated to war as you are dedicated to peace. What about these citizens who have lost all sense of their humanity? What keeps them from harming those who have retained it? Our military forces have protected the innocent from these inhumane characters. Therefore, I disagree with your proposal to dispose of all military forces, Miss Relena." Heads nodded in agreement as murmers spread over the audience. "Miss Relena, what do you mean to do about those who have, as you stated, lost their sense of humanity?" a man in a military uniform voiced the crowd's question. Relena scanned her audience, "As humanity can be lost, it also can be gained. We will have a need for domestic and local forces to uphold the law and keep fighting from breaking out between citizens. But as the violence ceases, I believe that we will be able to return any lost humanity. The soldiers can return to their worrying families once the military forces are eliminated; families can live without the fear of invasion from any neighboring countries; and most of all, ladies and gentlemen, we will maintain peace." Agreement showed plainly and unmasked on the majority of the representatives. "Thank you, Miss Dorothy and Miss Relena," the announcer cleared his voice, "are there any other statements before we decide on the peace agreements?" Silence showed as many people shook their heads. "Very well, then. We will now discuss the decisions that each country will make."

Chapter 4: